Rock Band Makes Girl's Wish a Reality

wish.org May 20, 2000

Creed members fulfill teenager's dream by meeting her before their concert at the arena Friday

For a 16-year-old Jersey Shore girl, meeting the hard-rock group Creed had been a dream.

On Friday night at the First Union Arena, it became a reality.

Amber, who is suffering from bone cancer, was able to visit with the Florida-based band - which has sold nearly 9 million records during the past three years - before the group's performance at the arena. The meeting was arranged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and, judging from her reaction, it lived up to all expectations.

During the pre-concert encounter, the extremely excited girl received hugs from band members, autographs, and was able to ask them questions about their music.

"It was awesome," Amber said. "They were just so sweet and so nice and caring. They didn't have to do this. They took time out and it means a lot to me." Her mother, Diane, said the experience was great. "I have chills right now. A lot bands, from what I've heard, won't do this, but for them to take the time, I feel great."

It was the first time the band had been told that someone involved with Make-A-Wish had such a great desire to meet them. They appeared more than happy to oblige.

"It's really flattering," said lead vocalist Scott Stapp. "It kind of reaffirms our belief sometimes music can be much bigger than bells and whistles on MTV. Obviously, the fact that we care so much about what we're saying, and realize the responsibility we have ... it definitely makes us feel good that we made an impact on her life in a positive way. It's cool."

"It's intense," said guitarist Mark Tremonti. "It makes you feel like what you do is worthwhile. It's good to have music that's means something and can actually change a person's life. It's very flattering. It chokes you up a little bit."

Before her meeting with the band, Amber was picked up at her home by Luxury Limousine and taken to dinner at TGI Friday's, where she shared a meal with her family, friends and Make-A-Wish volunteer Jack McNulty. She was then whisked off to the arena, where she was able to meet her favorite group.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a national, non-profit agency that specialized in granting the wishes of seriously ill children and teens. Now in its 20th year, the foundation has granted the wishes of more than 80,000 people.

.Alan K. Stout